Sale of Austin Queer Bar Cheer Up Charlies Called Off
The planned acquisition of Cheer Up Charlies, a struggling LGBTQ+ bar in Austin, by Pride Holdings Group was canceled on Tuesday, according to one of the club’s owners.
The deal to sell Cheer Up Charlies to the Florida-based investment firm fell through, ending a tumultuous chapter for the popular queer venue.
Owners Clarify the Situation
Co-owner Maggie Lea informed KUT News that both parties “amicably agreed to part ways.” She stated,
“Both parties have rescinded, and Pride Holdings is no longer involved in Cheer Up Charlies. Our membership interests have been returned and we (Tamara Hoover & Maggie Lea) remain owners of Cheer Up Charlies.”
Lea expressed no ill will toward Pride Holdings Group, saying, “I have nothing bad to say about them. It just didn't work out, you know?”
Corporate Response and Community Reaction
Pride Holdings Group did not respond to multiple requests for comment. By Tuesday afternoon, any press releases related to the acquisition were removed from their website.
The announcement of the sale last month shocked many in the local queer community. It came only days after the bar had raised nearly $60,000 through donations to cover back rent, intensifying concerns about the proposed corporate ownership.
Some community members felt the takeover clashed with the bar’s identity as a safe and welcoming space for queer Austinites.
Future Management Plans
The failed deal would have allowed Lea and Hoover to remain as managers while Pride Holdings Group addressed the bar’s financial difficulties.
Despite its struggles, Cheer Up Charlies continues under the ownership of its original team.
“The bar’s identity as a safe space for queer Austinites is a priority,” the owners have implied by maintaining control.
Summary
The attempted sale of Cheer Up Charlies to an out-of-state firm was canceled, with original owners remaining in control and committed to preserving the bar’s community-focused environment.
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